The term 'mental health' is often associated with mental illness or mental health problems, however, mental health is really about being mentally healthy, in just the same way as you try to be physically healthy.

Every day we hear that we should look after our physical health by exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet and cutting down on smoking or drinking alcohol.  We accept and understand that by making these changes to our lives we can improve our physical health and help to protect ourselves from physical illness.  Mental health is no different.  If we neglect our mental health we can suffer the effects and put ourselves at risk of mental illness, however, by making small changes in our lives and spotting any problems early, we can help to improve our mental health.

Sometimes health problems, both mental and physical, are unavoidable, and we have to be able acknowledge when we are unwell and act appropriately, whether that means taking a break until we feel better, or seeking help.  If you broke your wrist you wouldn't carry on as normal and 'wait and see', so why take the risk with your mind.

Evidence suggests that we are most vulnerable to mental health problems during stressful periods in our life.  Major life changes, such as moving house, romantic relationships, or changing jobs have been identified as common triggers, and young people encounter these events, and more, in abundance! Leaving school, starting work, moving to University, and all of the stress and upheaval involved in these, provide the perfect grounds for mental health problems to develop.  This is why it is especially important for young people to be aware of their mental health.

Mental health problems affect at least 1 in 4 people in the UK at any one time, and young people are no exception to that.  In fact, some recent research has found that the rate is even higher in young adults, with around half of all young adults experiencing mental health problems at some point each year, so mental health problems in young people are actually more common than you might think!